Winery agritourism is big in Durham

Wine Columnist: Chuck Byers

One of the major growth industries today is agritourism, which is an activity that entices visitors to patronize agriculturally-based businesses to view operations, enjoy events, purchase products, sample culinary delights (now known as culinary tourism) or even stay for an extended period and become immersed in the agricultural atmosphere.

Agritourism is also great for the economy. For example, the purchase of one litre of domestic wine produces an additional $12 or more in extended area business. Couple this with the many facets that are offered by each business endeavour and the benefits are extraordinary. Archibald Orchards and Estate Winery in Bowmanville and Ocala Winery in Scugog are two excellent local examples of this tourism phenomenon.

Archibald Orchards and Estate Winery was originally established as a wholesale operation in 1967. In 1997 owners Fred and Sandy Archibald opened the doors to the winery.

Like many others who became winemakers, Fred initially turned to winemaking as a hobby. His interest in wine came naturally since his father, Dr. John Archibald, a former chemist for Bright’s Wines, was a director of the Horticultural Research Station in Vineland.

Originally starting with an eight-selection wine list, the number of their fruit wine selection now has hit 20, with wines ranging from the pucker-your-lips dry to sweeter-than-sweet dessert wine.

In addition to the wine, Archibald hosts a number of activities such as a Par 3, nine-hole golf course, pick your own apples, boutique/pastry shop and special theme events. The curio shop within the winery offers a plethora of interesting items such as sculptures, paintings, jams and jellies. By the way, the homemade pies are too good to describe in words.

For 17 years, Irwin Smith was not a farmer but a musician/local music store owner and entertainer. However, like Fred Archibald, he was ‘bitten’ by the winemaking bug and in 1995, after selling his music store, opened Ocala Winery specializing in fruit, grape (some now with VQA designation) and non-alcoholic sparkling wines.

The winery is housed in a 100-year-old barn which has been in the family’s possession since 1915. The 100-acre farm/orchard/vineyard hosts special events such as ‘Dine in the Vines,’ a four course dining experience held within the vineyard/orchard and the ‘Harvest Festival,’ which features a guided wagon and educational tour of the orchard/vineyard that ends with a winery tour and tasting.

New grape varieties such as the cold hardy Sabrevois, Kat-e-lin, Marquette and Prairie Star have been added to the fold and appear to be doing very well.

The Ocala boutique sells a large variety of books, curio items and women’s accessories, such as costume jewelry, watches and hand-painted glassware.

Both Archibald and Ocala wineries are unique in their perspective. Their products are delicious and their contributions to the new local agritourism movement offer much to the consumer. When deciding on what to do on that day off or Sunday afternoon -- go local and visit these fine examples of agritourism.

-- Chuck Byers is a wine writer and consultant with more than 35 years of experience in the wine industry and is a member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada.